Geopolitics and climate change: Reflections on the COP process and an update on mandatory climate reporting in Australia

Please join us for a comprehensive overview of the geopolitics surrounding climate change and international trade. 

Our distinguished panel includes the Hon. Mike Rann, Chair of the Board at Climate Group, Dr Tracey Dodd, national facilitator of the Climate Governance for Australian Directors course with the AICD. Facilitating the discussion is Distinguished Professor Susan Neuhaus AM CSC, immediate Past President of the South Australian and Northern Territory Division of the AICD and Mark Butcher, Executive Director, Penmarric Capital. 

The panel will provide an analysis of geopolitical risks and opportunities related to climate change, including reflections on progress in negotiations at the Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings, organised annually by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), as well as upcoming requirements for mandatory climate reporting in Australia.

Attendees will gain insights into how COP outcomes influence trade agreements and diplomatic relations on a global scale, as well as their impact on company directors at the local level. This discussion will consider the complexities inherent in international efforts to combat climate change, along with examples of actions taken by local companies.

Details:

Date: Thur 23 May 2024

Time: 12:00-1:30pm (11:45am for a 12:00pm start)

Location: The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Conference Room 715, Level 7 Ingkarni Wardli 

Agenda:

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

Funded by the European Union 

Biographies:

Susan Neuhaus AM CSC, Affiliate Associate Professor, University of Adelaide, Distinguished Professor, University of South Australia

Susan Neuhaus is an alumnus of the University of Adelaide, having obtained both her medical degree and later PhD from this university. She has had a distinguished career, both in the military and as a surgeon, and holds adjunct positions as Associate Professor at the University of Adelaide and Distinguished Professor, University of South Australia.

Susan is an experienced Director and Chair across a number of Not-for-Profit, commercial and prudentially regulated boards - and the immediate Past President of the South Australian and Northern Territory Division of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). Her current boards include Aspen Medical – a proud veteran owned company and signatory to the UN Global Compact and the Australian War Memorial, where she chairs the Memorial Development Committee – overseeing a $550m project which includes installation of the largest closed loop geothermal system in the southern hemisphere.

Hon. Mike Rann AC CNZM, Chair of the Board, Climate Group

Mike Rann was Premier of South Australia from 2002 to 2011. He was also Climate Change Minister, the first in Australia and one of the first in the world. When he was elected in 2002, South Australia had zero renewables. It now has more than 60% from wind and solar. Mike was Co-Chair of the Climate Group's States & Regions Alliance.

In 2012, he was appointed to the Climate Group's International Leadership Council chaired by Tony Blair. After Mike retired as Premier, the Australian Government appointed him Chair of its 'green bank', Low Carbon Australia Ltd.

In 2010, Mike was presented with the "Global Champion of Climate Change Award" by Indian environmental NGO Exnora International. Mr Rann was Australian High Commissioner to London, and later Ambassador to Italy and Albania. He was previously based in London, where Rann Strategy Group specialises in renewable energy solutions internationally.

Now Mike is Chair of the UK charity Power of Nutrition and a Patron of the World Sustainable Development Forum. He is also a Visiting Professor at the Policy Institute of King’s College London.

Dr Tracey Dodd GAICD, MSPPM

Dr Tracey Dodd is an academic and non-executive director with over two decades of cross-sectoral experience. Tracey currently oversees research development within the Adelaide Business School, University of Adelaide and holds the position of Honorary Senior Research Fellow, University of Exeter (UK).

She is also the Academic Lead for Governance and Adjunct Associate Professor with the Governance Institute of Australia and is the inaugural facilitator of the Climate Governance course for the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Tracey’s research in environmental, social, governance (ESG) has been published and presented globally, including to the United Nations and World Business Council on Sustainable Development.

She also Chairs the Governance Committee of South Australia's lead agency for the circular economy, Green Industries South Australia, is a Non-Executive Director of the Australian Maths Trust, and has two decades of systems reform experience, including intergovernmental reforms valued at over $400M.

Pasqui D’aloia

Pasqui D’aloia is the State Manager for the Australian Institute of Company Directors in SA. She is an experienced and motivated executive with a track record of leading performance turnaround and business improvement strategies across sales distribution, customer service functions and marketing. Pasqui has significant experience in the SME, family enterprise, and large technology enterprise sectors in a variety of fast-paced and competitive industries with a diverse background and strong network within the South Australian business community and a unique perspective and voice for members and clients alike. With a strong commercial leadership in managing cross functional teams, from sales and business development to product design and solutions, Pasqui’s determination to deliver superior service standards, as well as her extensive experience in strategic operational and sales development and performance design.

Mark Butcher

Mark is the Board Chair and Chair of the Audit Committee of Land Services South Australia. Mark is also the Board Chair of Land Services Western Australia, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Cortex Interactive Pty Limited and Australia Pet Treats Group. He is also a member of Housing Choices South Australia. Mark has been a full time non-executive director since 2012, when he retired as the South Australia Managing Partner of Ernst & Young, prior to that he worked with the Macquarie Group specialising in corporate and structured finance.